Stone Flower (Chabila) | Pathar Phool | Rare Earthy Lichen Spice

Health & Nutritional Benefits

• Natural Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used in Ayurveda to help reduce internal inflammation and soothe the digestive tract.

• Kidney Health: Known for its lithontriptic properties, it is often used in traditional remedies to support healthy kidney and bladder function.

• Antimicrobial Properties: Contains natural compounds that help fight pathogens and support the body’s healing process.

• Skin Healing: When used topically (as a paste), it is believed to help in the healing of minor skin irritations and wounds.

• Digestive Aid: Helps in improving appetite and relieving symptoms of bloating or indigestion.

Nutritional Values (Approx. per 100g)

Uses

• The “Secret” Spice: An indispensable ingredient for authentic Goda Masala, Kala Masala, and Potli Masala.

• Gourmet Meat Curries: Used in slow-cooked mutton and chicken dishes to provide a deep, woody, “wild” flavor that other spices cannot replicate.

• Biryani Tempering: Add a small piece to the oil at the beginning of cooking to create a rich, aromatic base for Hyderabadi or Lucknawi Biryanis.

• Vegetarian Delights: Elevates the flavor of Chole (chickpeas) and Dal Makhani, giving them a professional, dhaba-style smokiness.

• Soups & Broths: Simmer in clear soups or bone broths to extract its medicinal properties and earthy notes.

Storage Instructions

• Keep it Bone-Dry: Pathar Phool is a lichen and highly susceptible to moisture. Store in a completely dry, airtight glass jar.

• Do Not Crush: Keep the pieces whole; they are very brittle and can turn to dust if handled roughly.

• Airtight is Crucial: To preserve its subtle earthy oils, ensure the container is tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dark cupboard.

Fun Facts

• Nature’s Mystery: Pathar Phool is not a plant, but a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae that grows only in areas with extremely clean air.

• The “Magic” Transformation: It is one of the few spices that smells like nothing in the jar but transforms completely into a “umami bomb” once heated.

• Global Rarity: While essential in Indian regional cooking, it is virtually unknown in Western cuisines, making it a true hidden gem of the spice world.